Paper cutters that are made of real steel and real wood (weighing in at around 30~35 pounds) can handle thin soft metals such as soda cans and very thin copper roof flashing. Brass is entirely too hard for most paper cutters. General rule of thumb for me is if I can fold and crease it using thumb and one finger then I use paper cutter. If I cannot put a good fold crease then I use tin ships. The paper cutter I have in the garage is one my dad purchased back in the mid 50’s, it has a real hardwood deck and heavy gauge steel blade.
Tom Trigg
For brass that thick, I'd use snips. A paper cutter is not quite what I'd call a proper metal shear. It might work well enough for shim stock (.010" or less), but you may do more harm than good to both the metal and the cutter if you made a habit of cutting thicker stuff on one. (I'd strongly advise against using the one in the mailroom at the office.)
Later,
K
Tinsnips for thin metal, paper cutter for paper.........
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
Do I really need tin snippers for .032 thick brass or can I just use a regular paper cutter? Thank You - Peter
Modeling the Bellefonte Central Railroad
Fan of the PRR
Garden Railway Enthusiast
Check out my Youtube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/PennsyModeler
Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month